On Malbays Shore

Traditional singer, flute player, set dancer and sportsman Michael Mahony (McMahon) hails from Ballyvaskin, near Miltown Malbay. His first instrument was the tin whistle which he began playing at the age of seven. Shortly afterwards his late brother Brendan, who had emigrated to England, sent him a concert flute which he bought in Petticoat Lane for five shillings. Not many young musicians could lay hands on a concert flute at the time and had to be content with a Clarke's tin whistle. Michael was fortunate to grow up in an area so rich in traditional music. He mentions the Mackeys, the O'Loughlins and the O'Looneys as having influenced him musically in his formative years. He describes his neighbour Micho Fitzpatrick as the best fiddle player he ever heard. He had a vast repertoire of tunes which he played with great sweetness and lightness of touch. He also remembers the Milford House Ceili Band.

In his teens Michael attended house dances and soirees and was encouraged to play by the senior musicians. He also served his apprenticeship to traditional singing and set dancing at these house dances and soirees. He was taught to dance the Clare set by Kathleen Dunleavy. In the late eighties Michael and Sylvie Fox conducted set dancing classes in Miltown and regularly had 60 to 70 students in attendance. For the past twenty five years he has played in session in his cousin Bridie Cleary's bar every Thursday night. Over the years he has encouraged many young musicians who are now household names and some of whom enjoy international acclaim. Michael is chairman of Craobh Laichtin Naofa CCE, Miltown Malbay. In this long overdue album we include a selection of songs recorded live at various sessions over the years, as well as some instrumental tracks on which he is joined by friends who have played with him for many years.

"Go mba fada buan thu a Mhichil i mbun ceoil is amhránaiochta".

Joe O'Connor, 
Reachtaire CCE